Julien Gauthier needs to be big for the Rangers this season

When the New York Rangers acquired former first-round pick, Julien Gauthier, from the Carolina Hurricanes, it was supposed to be a lot better for both sides. Since arriving in Manhattan, Gauthier has been an incredibly underwhelming player. Given his ability and his talents, his struggles seem to have no reason to exist, yet plague him anyway. Gauthier has so many raw tools yet no way to use them.

With the 2016 21st overall pick having been very disappointing since his arrival from Carolina just prior to the 2019 NHL trade deadline, Gauthier has been the subject of a lot of criticism. Whether you view this as justified or not, his production hasn’t been anything of considerable note. In 91 games with the Rangers, Gauthier has just 5 goals and 12 assists for 17 points. Depending on your expectations, you may view that as not good enough.

This year, the Rangers’ depth is going to be tested dramatically. New York constantly felt top-heavy when playing against the most sturdy competition. If the Rangers want to challenge for the Metropolitan Division title this season and be taken seriously as a Stanley Cup contender, they’re going to need young guys like Gauthier to step up and play their part in making this team as deep as it can possibly be.

At 6’4, and 230 lbs, he’s not exactly your standard teddy bear. He’s a big man and he knows how to use it when he wants to. Yes, there are questions about his skating. Is he fast enough on his feet to play at the NHL level? Well, we will find out. One thing is for sure. There’s a spot on this roster for the Pointe-aux-Trembles, Quebec native to earn. If he can sort out his marshmallow of a shot, he’s a dangerous player.

By the time the season starts, he will be 25 years old. I know people are quick to ignore his 1st round pick draft status, but he was drafted in the 1st round by Carolina. Whether the Rangers and their coaches can tap into the potential Gauthier possesses seems unlikely. It’s now a case of trying to reclaim what you can from him. However, a big step forward from Gauthier will shut all his critics wrong. I hope he makes me look foolish this year.

Earning a spot out of training camp is going to be the battle for the big winger. If he can forget about not getting traded and work his way onto the roster and fight off the inevitable hoards of young guns and prospects the Rangers have bursting at the seams to take his job, he’ll likely have a good year. Nothing is a given. If he can’t keep his spot on the roster, perhaps his time in the National Hockey League is approaching its conclusion.

Question for Blue Line Station readers: What do you expect from Julien Gauthier this season?